We saw my daughter’s dentist last week and the oral surgeon today. The decision has been made to remove all four wisdom teeth now. Since all four teeth are impacted, meaning that they have not broken the surface yet, she will need anesthesia so that she sleeps through the procedure which will include extraction and suturing.

My daughter is 16, which is on the young age to have hers removed. However, she is having pain and inflammation with one of them. Her bottom teeth, which were straightened with braces, are already beginning to move. Finally, the X-rays showed the bottom teeth coming in at a direct angle towards her other molars. For these reasons, we have decided it is time and best to take all four at once to avoid multiple procedures.

Just because the wisdom teeth may be coming in, does not necessarily mean that they need to be removed or removed now. Look for the signs above and if there is any question, you should speak to your teen’s dentist.

We were very happy to learn last week that my daughter is getting her braces off next week!

She listened to her orthodontist and I am very proud of her for that. She wore the expander and did all that she was supposed to do with the rubber bands. She even dealt with and wore the crazy, criss-cross rubber bands pictured here.

Abby’s criss-cross rubber bands

Now, because she did everything that she was asked to do, she is getting the braces off after only wearing them 1 1/2 years. I know that every situation is different, but I do believe that not doing as the orthodontist asks, especially when it comes to rubber bands, can lengthen the time kids have to wear their braces.

The next step is getting retainers and the top one is removable. But, I do believe that my daughter will continue to do as asked when it comes to straightening those pearly whites!